The days passed quickly.
In the blink of an eye, Kakashi had been working in Anbu for more than half a year.
Thanks to his ridiculous efficiency in completing missions, he'd quickly earned the respect of all Anbu members.
Such a young shinobi had completed ten times more than the second-hardest worker in Anbu. He was truly worthy of the title "King of Hard Work"—though if you asked Kakashi, he'd have suggested something flashier, like "Mission Machine" or "That Guy Who Never Sleeps."
Today happened to be the Liver Emperor's day off, so Kakashi came early to the duty room at Konoha Hospital.
"Hey, isn't this our Captain Kakashi? It's been a while since you've been here. Rin's been missing you a lot!"
A young nurse spotted him and teased with a smile.
"Ahaha, yeah… missions have kept me busy lately," Kakashi said, scratching his head. "Turns out being Minato-sensei's go-to guy means I'm also his pack mule."
Of course, he wanted to be with Rin every day.
But Minato-sensei had too few available people, and as Anbu Captain, Kakashi had to set an example.
Just then, hurried footsteps approached.
Kakashi felt a sudden weight on his back—it was Rin, clinging to him like a sloth.
"Kakashi, you haven't come to see me for sixteen days!"
"I want to go on a mission with you too!(＞_＜)"
Rin's expression was pure unhappiness.
Ever since becoming the Three-Tails' jinchūriki, she had completely lost her freedom.
She couldn't leave the village, and whenever she did go out, Anbu operatives kept watch from a distance.
She had even asked Minato-sensei to cancel the surveillance, but he could only offer an apologetic smile.
Those in charge of watching her were under the Third Hokage's direct orders—even Minato couldn't overrule them.
Even Kushina was monitored when she stepped outside her home.
The constant watch made Rin deeply uncomfortable.
If it weren't for the kindness of everyone at the hospital, and Kakashi visiting her whenever he could, she might have sunk into despair.
"Be good, Rin. I'm not letting you leave the village—it's for your safety," Kakashi said softly. Then, with a smile, "Look what I brought you."
Rin lifted her head, curious. "Wow, what is it?"
When she heard there was a gift, she hopped down from his back and opened the box.
"It's yokan from Toraya, next to the Daimyō's estate."
"I remember the first time I ate this—it was during a mission, when Minato-sensei treated us!" Rin's eyes curved into crescents. "What made you think of buying it?"
"I saw you liked it, so I made a note. And hey—it was on my way."
Rin tilted her head. "But… your mission this time was to the Land of Wind. Isn't that the opposite direction?"
"As long as it's something you like, Rin, it doesn't matter how far. Even if I have to run laps around the Five Great Nations like Gai after too much coffee."
Her cheeks turned red as she noticed the amused smiles from nearby staff.
"What are you afraid of? I've already handed out the wedding candies—who in the hospital doesn't know you're my sweetheart?" Kakashi said nonchalantly, before scooping her up in a princess carry.
"Hey! What are you doing?!" Rin exclaimed.
Kakashi ignored her protests and walked into the dean's office.
"Dean, I've contributed so much to Konoha. Isn't it reasonable to requisition Rin for a day?"
The dean sighed. "Ahem… fine. But Captain Kakashi, this is a hospital. We do have to be mindful of appearances."
She knew her authority here was limited—after all, Kakashi and Rin were both direct disciples of Tsunade's lineage, which made them her seniors in a way.
"Thanks!" Kakashi said with a lazy wave, and in an instant, he vanished with Rin in his arms.
A heartbeat later, they reappeared at the Three-Colored Meatball Shop on Konoha's main street.
"Snacks first, then we shop." He set her down gently.
"Mm!" Rin nodded, placing a bowl of anko-flavored yokan in front of him.
"Ah~, you eat too~"
Kakashi reached for it, but she blocked his hand.
"No, I want to feed you~"
He hesitated, then darted a glance around to make sure no one was watching. In one smooth motion, he pulled down his mask, took the yokan in his mouth, and pulled it back up—faster than a shuriken throw.
Rin wasn't surprised. She popped another piece into her own mouth, eyes lighting up.
"Eat slowly, Rin. These are all yours," Kakashi said, handing her a tissue and wiping her lips with a faint smile.
After they finished, Kakashi took her hand and headed toward the clothing store. Spring was here, and he planned to buy them some matching outfits.
"Kakashi, what about this one?" Rin spun in a new outfit.
"Nice."
"And this?"
"Also nice."
"This one?"
"Nice again."
Rin frowned. "You say they're all nice! How am I supposed to choose?"
"Easy—Waiter, pack them all." Kakashi snapped his fingers.
"Isn't that too much?" Rin protested.
"It's rare we get to shop together. Besides, more clothes means less laundry. That's a shinobi lifehack right there."
"Fine, but this time I'm paying. Including yours!"
Kakashi blinked. "Huh?"
"Who says the boyfriend always has to pay? I earn my own wages at the hospital. Today, I'm buying clothes for my boyfriend!"
"Then I'll have to thank our little rich lady~" he teased.
"Hmph~" Rin rolled her eyes playfully.
Just then, an Anbu operative appeared. "Captain Kakashi, the Hokage-sama has summoned you."
"Got it. You head back—I'll follow shortly."
If Minato-sensei was summoning him on his day off, it had to be urgent.
"I'm sorry, Rin…" he began, guilt in his eyes.
"I know. The mission's more important. Go." She waved it off, though the flicker of disappointment in her eyes didn't escape him.
Kakashi suddenly stepped forward and kissed her gently.
"Ah…" Rin froze, steam practically rising from her head.
Before she could react, Kakashi was gone.
She covered her flushed cheeks, torn between shyness, anger, and sweetness.
"There were so many people watching… next time, I'm kissing you back, you stinky Kakashi!"